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The Citizen-Blyth Festival, 1999-06-23, Page 23BLYTH FESTIVAL SALUTE, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 1999. PAGE 3. Choosing a season Plays entertaining, yet ‘about something’ By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff As a founder of Blyth Festival, Anne Chislett never dreamt that in its silver anniversary season she would be the one setting the stage. “I never doubted somebody would, but I didn’t think it would be me.” Picking the plays for the 1999 season was a scary process, says the Festival’s artistic director, herself an acclaimed playwright. “Ultimately, though I can solicit opinions of others, the plays,will be my choice.” To Chislett, the season “looks great. I love the shows.” Selecting a season is more than just picking good plays, says Chislett. “It needs participation appeal, it needs to fit all aspects of the mandate.” The productions more than fit the bill, she feels. “There is a rhythm to the season, a balance.” Theatre goers to Blyth know what they like, but their taste is varied, making the process of choosing a season somewhat simpler. However, Chislett says she believes the Festival has always been conscientious with regards to putting on plays “about something.” She has also discovered that the best loves are those that are recognized. “I notice the quality of laughter is different when it’s as a result of the joy of recognition. And I hope some of these plays will have that.” With productions created by Festival favourites Ted Johns and Paul Thompson, as well as the rollicking Big Box by David Carley, that is certainly likely. However, even the more serious plays like Every Dream, carry a message to which the typical individual can identify. “Essentially, it says ‘You’re not alone’.” Chislett has no favourite of the season, admiring each play for its uniqueness. “It is the lyricism of David French’s play and the quality of his prose, in That Summer, that I love. And the company is a knockout.” Big Box, about small business trying to compete with the mega­ store is, she says, “One of the funniest scripts I’ve ever read and also, I think something quite different for us.” She’s certain the change will be enjoyed by Blyth audiences, however. “The audience here has always enjoyed variety. They are quite a sophisticated audience in that sense.” The play’s outrageous props have posed some theatrical challenges. “It will be great to see how they pull things off and should be quite fun.” Discussing Ted Johns’ update to his popular The School Show, Chislett says she can hardly wait to hear what he has to say in his new comedy satire The Great School Crisis of '99. And the plans for Paul Thompson’s Death of a Hired Man are exciting. “I don’t think I’ve seen Paul as excited,” she says of his collective. “That’s a really good sign. It’s quite fantastic.” Rounding out the playwrights is Peter Colley, whose When the Reaper Calls will be presented in the Festival’s studio space, The Garage. “It is wonderful to have Peter Colley back. I was looking for a light comic piece and Peter sent Old friends and new One of the Blyth Festival’s founders herself, Anne Chislett has brought old friends back, along with talented newcomers, for the Silver Seasoh. me Reaper. 1 read it and it was an instant decision. I knew we were doing this no question. When it’s right you know.” So does the audience. Colley, whose I’ll Be Back Before Midnight became a huge international hit, may be repeating his Blyth success. Tickets for Reaper which opens the end of July are already selling very well, Chislett says. In looking at the company assembled for the silver season, there is a mix of old and new, those whose names have almost become synonymous with Blyth and those making their debut. “I can’t conceive of a season without Jerry (Franken) and Eric (Coates). They are part of the team like Sha_wn Kerwin and David James. We are very much a unit.” Having friends like Diana Belshaw, Terry Tweed, Kate Trotter, Michelle Fisk, and Layne ^Coleman back for another season 'is perfect, says Chislett. Names like Thompson are tied with the 1970s style of theatre, while Bill Glasco and David French represent 30 years of the best writing in the country, she says. “I have always tried to have a bit of both, to represent what is three decades of Canadian theatre.” Making their Blyth debut are Eric Davis, Adrienne Wilson and Noah Reid. “Noah, who is 12 years old and probably has as many credits to his name as Jerry Franken, did the radio version of Big Box. We had no thought of bringing him here for this but it came up in conversations that his grandparents live in Bayfield. They were willing to let him summer with them and then we later learned that he is the great-great- nephew of George Reid, (former East Wawanosh Twp. resident and founder of the Ontario College of Art).” “Having imported this child from Toronto we find we’re connected all over the place. All roads do lead to Blyth.” Preparing for an anniversary is always a time for reflection and nostalgia. “That was the way it was for the 20th season and everyone had a great time. This year while a lot of favourites are back, it’s all new work. The emphasis is on moving forward.” ‘Dressing ‘Room Only is the store that offers you both casual and dressy womens fashions Sizes range from 6 - 18 Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. During the summer theatre season we will be open evenings for your convenience. Conte in - browse and check out our personalized service! BOX FURNITURE Thanks for the memories! 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